Ecology of a Cracker Childhood

Following Ray’s example, research a natural habitat near where you live. What makes this natural habitat unique? How has construction altered or threatened the ecosystem?

How does Ray draw on religious language to argue for the importance of preserving wildlife? What is the relationship between religion and nature in Ecology of a Cracker Childhood?

Mental illness is a recurring theme throughout Ecology of a Cracker Childhood, touching on the lives of nearly all the characters. Choose three characters, and compare how mental illness impacts each of their lives. How does their experience with mental illness—either their own, or a loved one’s—influence their character development? 

The rural Georgia landscape that Ray describes is one mired in poverty, with most residents struggling to earn a living. How does poverty shape the relationship between Georgians and the local landscape, and how does it alter the local ecosystem?

Discuss the role of fire in shaping the longleaf pine ecosystem. How do the longleaf pine forests’ various species uniquely evolve to survive fire? Why is fire a beneficial force in shaping these forests?

Though a work of non-fiction, Ray includes several chapters of creative writing throughout Ecology of a Cracker Childhood. Within these chapters, Ray inhabits a variety of voices, from the ghost of John Audubon to a pine tree. How does the usage of fiction assist Ray in advocating for the importance of preserving the longleaf pine forests?

Ray discusses a variety of methods that have been proposed for preserving or regenerating the longleaf pine forests, such as replanting pine plantations and selectively logging existing forests. Compare and contrast these various methods, exploring the effect they have on the ecosystem. Is one method preferable over the others? Why or why not?

Each of the characters in Ecology of a Cracker Childhood undergo struggle and difficulties throughout their life, often stemming from external forces beyond their control. Choose three characters and discuss how each deals with struggle.